True cost of owning a Tesla in the UK (2026)
Teslas are cheap to fuel but premium to insure and quick to depreciate. This calculator pulls together every cost of running a Tesla in the UK so you know exactly what you're signing up for each month — not just the headline price.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it actually cost to run a Tesla in the UK?
Charging at home overnight is typically 4–7p per mile, but insurance, depreciation and finance push the all-in monthly cost well above what most owners expect. Use the calculator above to model your real number.
Is home charging really that much cheaper than petrol?
Yes — on a cheap EV tariff a Tesla costs roughly a third of what a petrol equivalent costs to fuel per mile. Public rapid charging closes the gap considerably, so home charging access matters.
Why is Tesla insurance so expensive?
EVs cost more to repair, parts come from a limited supply chain, and Tesla's high performance pushes them into higher insurance groups. Premiums are typically 20–40% higher than an equivalent petrol car.
How fast does a Tesla depreciate vs a petrol car?
Tesla depreciation has steepened sharply since 2023 with frequent price cuts. Budget for 17–20% per year in the first three years — faster than a comparable BMW or Audi.